Nine arrests for island riot

Nine men were arrested yesterday morning on Palm Island, off
Queensland, on 20 charges relating to Friday's riot by hundreds of
residents.

The nine, aged 26 to 54, will appear in the Townsville
Magistrates Court tomorrow. The charges include arson, assault and
riot causing property damage. Several other men are being
sought.

Yesterday morning, Queensland Police Minister Judy Spence said
police anticipated further violence after their headquarters, the
courthouse, a police officer's home and a stolen police car were
burned on Friday by residents incensed over the death of
36-year-old Cameron Doomadgee. Mr Doomadgee died on November 19
after a struggle with police.

Anger flared after a coroner's report was read at a public
meeting on Palm Island, detailing the injuries from which Mr
Doomadgee died. Mr Doomadgee was found to have suffered four broken
ribs and a ruptured liver.

Some residents, contractors, police and public servants were
evacuated on Friday night following the violence. About 80
additional officers were flown from Townsville, Cairns and
Brisbane.

Premier Peter Beattie rejected suggestions that large numbers of
police should have been deployed before the autopsy report was
read. He said such action would have been provocative.

He criticised the Palm Island Community Council for failing to
explain the coroner's findings to residents.

Mr Beattie said the Crime and Misconduct Commission would hold
an inquiry into the death.

But Aboriginal leader Sam Watson said the Palm Island community
had to be consulted and involved in any investigation to find out
what happened while Mr Doomadgee was in custody.